I went for my coffee this morning and was greeted at the door by not one, not two, but three cats! In no time at all, my little neighbour Johanna has befriended Marcello and company, creating a feline playground in our garden. The cats were clamouring for her, so I went upstairs to let her know she was desperately needed in the garden!
I then stepped out to walk yet another new route to reach my first destination of the day: the Ararat Brandy Museum! It was a bit early for a tasting for me (11:30 am!), but they cleverly schedule all the standard tastings earlier in the day, while the more aged (expensive) brandy tours are at a more reasonable hour. I suffered my brandy shortly after noon.
I was surprised at how quickly everyone downed their two glasses of 25 ml each, as I had to linger long after everyone at the table left. I drank the full bottle of water, bought a 7 year Ani Ararat brandy, and went out to have my lunch on a bench. I chatted with a young retired entrepreneur from Poland who now keeps herself busy by looking for small businesses on her travels. Then, onwards to the art store. Carrying my bottle of brandy was a bit awkward, so I decided to take the metro home… and for some very odd reason, needed a nap!😉
For the evening, I went back down by metro to The National Art Gallery, hoping to see the Aré Fest 26 (themed Gaia Terrain) Opening, but there was no signage for the entrance. I didn’t worry (I can see the installation another time), and went on to the AGBU Hall nearby to hear a remarkable jazz performance by the Ven Trio from NYC with Noah Garabedian. All three musicians are incredible and we were lucky to see and hear them perform for us. Then back to ICA to get ready for my hike to Dilijan next day!
On the way to Ararat Museum…
